Gutter Protection—What Types Of Guards Can You Employ?

Your property's gutters may be the last thing you think about, but this does not diminish the critical role they play in maintaining your roof in optimum condition. The gutters have to be at peak performance to make sure that precipitation is being sufficiently directed away from your roofing. Therefore, it is also essential for you to take the time to install gutter protection devices that will help in keeping your gutters operational. However, since there are different options in the market, it is best to familiarise yourself with your choices so you can make a knowledgeable decision. Here are two affordable guards that you can employ for gutter protection.

Bottlebrush guards

As implied by the name, this type of gutter guard has a distinctly similar appearance to a regular brush. It is one of the cheapest options in the market, plus one of the easiest forms of gutter protection that you could install. Unsurprisingly, these features make it a favourite for homeowners who want to embark on gutter protection installation as a DIY project. The bottlebrush is outfitted at the opening of the gutters and functions to prevent large debris such as twigs and leaves from making their way into the gutters. Although bottlebrushes are effective at keeping most debris away from the gutters, you should note that small items such as pine needles, tiny rocks and other particles could slip through the bristles. Moreover, bottlebrushes tend to become clogged in a short time. Thus, they would need periodic cleaning if they are to remain an efficient form of gutter protection.

Foam-filler guards

This type of gutter protection comprises a polyurethane substance that is applied directly into the gutters. The foam is porous, so it works by trapping debris while allowing water to flow through its material and away from the roof. Foam fillers are another of the inexpensive options in the market, making them a readily available choice for people who want quick and easy protection for their guttering system. Nonetheless, foam fillers do come with a couple of drawbacks that you should be aware of. To start with, the porosity of the foam substances makes it an ideal breeding ground for both plants and microorganisms. Therefore, this type of gutter protection has to be switched out periodically to prevent the growth of seedlings, mould and bacteria. Secondly, foam fillers can become a fire hazard during the summer months, as they can become extremely dry. Thus, it is advisable to remove them from the gutters when the rainy season abates.


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